Kuala Lumpur to introduce facial recognition checks

The airport plans to check passenger facial recognition biometrics across the airport

Kuala Lumpur is planning to introduce facial recognition throughout the airport.

The airport plans to use facial recognition as a method to track passengers in the airport using a system called single-token biometric identification authentication.

It could mean that passengers will go through the entire airport journey without having to show their boarding passes at all touchpoints from check-in right until the boarding gates.

But that also means they can be tracked through the airport.

The first phase of the technology roll out is expected to complete in the first half of 2021.

50 self-check-in kiosks, 20 check-in counters and 56 eGates at security checkpoints and boarding gates at both KUL Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 will be equipped with facial recognition technology. 

Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, Group chief executive officer (Group CEO) of Malaysia Airports:

Apart from the obvious benefit of improving our service levels to passengers by reducing airport processing time, it will also enable our passengers to go through a completely contactless experience and enhance their safety at the airport within the parameters of the new travel norms. Additionally, it will also minimise instances of fraudulent identity use.”

The system will be integrated with the MYairports app where passengers can enrol their facial authentication before they arrive at the airport.

Integration with the immigration system will enable foreigners to use the Immigration Autogates instead of queuing at the counters.

Future implementation may also include other touchpoints such as retail purchases as well as access to airline lounges.

N.B. Image credit: https://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/

Internet links

Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)